2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button has expressed his disappointment over Daniel Ricciardo’s abrupt exit from Formula 1, following Red Bull’s decision to replace him with Liam Lawson for the final six races of the 2024 season. Ricciardo, who rejoined the grid mid-season after being sidelined in 2023, now faces an uncertain future in the sport.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Button voiced his concern over the Red Bull and AlphaTauri team’s habit of mid-season driver swaps, calling Ricciardo’s sudden removal a “weird” and unsettling decision.
“It’s funny because there’s really only one team that does this, and that’s Red Bull and AlphaTauri,” Button said. “You don’t normally see this unless a driver is crashing out race after race. Drivers deserve a full season to show their ability. It’s how many points you can score across the season, not just halfway through.”
Button went on to acknowledge Ricciardo’s impressive career, from going toe-to-toe with some of F1’s best, like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, to his strong performances during his stint at Renault. “To jump into Red Bull when he did in 2014 and compete with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen was unbelievable,” Button remarked.
Despite his admiration for Ricciardo’s past successes, Button was perplexed by the Australian’s struggles in recent seasons, particularly during his time with McLaren and AlphaTauri. “We saw glimpses of his brilliance at Renault, but it just didn’t materialize at McLaren and AlphaTauri. Why is that? I don’t know.”
Button on Ricciardo’s Future: “It’s Not His Age”
Button was quick to dismiss the idea that Ricciardo’s form was impacted by his age, pointing to Fernando Alonso as a prime example of a driver thriving in the latter stages of his career. “It’s not his age. He’s not old. Look at what Fernando Alonso is doing,” Button said.
However, the former world champion admitted that the real reasons behind Ricciardo’s slump in recent years remain elusive, even for someone like him. “The only person that really knows is probably Daniel,” Button added. “I feel for him, because to be on such a high for so much of your career and then to see it fall away in recent years is tough.”
Ultimately, Button suggested that Ricciardo has made peace with his situation and is looking forward to life beyond Formula 1. “From what I’ve heard, he’s come to terms with it, and he’s got his whole life ahead of him,” he concluded.
Ricciardo’s sudden departure from the 2024 F1 season has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning Red Bull’s handling of the situation and wondering what the future holds for the former race winner. While his immediate racing plans remain uncertain, his impact on the sport is undeniable, and his fans will undoubtedly be hoping to see the “Honey Badger” back in action soon.
